Published: August 15, 2008 04:59 pm            

Ballalatak to run for Iowa State Senate

Deb Ballalatak of rural Albia announced today that she is a candidate for the Iowa State Senate in District 36. Senate District 36 covers all of Monroe, Lucas and Marion counties; the western half of Mahaska County; and Fairview Township in southern Jasper County.

“Serving in the Iowa Senate is an opportunity for me to apply the experiences I’ve gained to bring common sense solutions to the State Legislature,” said Ballalatak, a Democrat. “I will be an active, fiscally responsible voice that will work to ensure that our families have the jobs, health care, schools and public safety necessary to succeed.”

She added: “As parents, my husband and I know everyone wants their children to have the best education possible and the opportunity to find good jobs here in Iowa. I will work for continued investment in our local schools and an even playing field that encourages economic development and creates good jobs in our part of Iowa.”

In addition, she pledged to increase state support for services to Iowa veterans and Servicemembers and their families. Ballalatak’s father is a veteran and her nephew recently returned from military service in Iraq.

“When Iowa soldiers are being put in harm’s way in distant lands, we need to do more to honor their service and to expand benefits for our military veterans,” she said.

A graduate of Albia Community High School, Deb is a homemaker, member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia and has been active in the Juvenile Diabetes organization in Albia.

She previously worked at the Vitko service station in Albia, a family-owned business, and for Chamberlain Manufacturing Co.

Ballalatak and her husband, Jim, have been together for 29 years. They were both born and raised in Monroe County. Jim is a diesel mechanic at Anderson/Erickson in Des Moines. Deb and Jim have three grown daughters: Kristin, 24, a Registered Nurse at the Pella Regional Health Center; Sammy Jo, 23, a pastry chef in Des Moines; and Andrea, 22, a full-time office worker in Des Moines.

Ballalatak, 45, said her campaign will focus on talking personally with as many voters as possible.

“I believe that listening is one of the best ways to learn and to bring fresh ideas to the Iowa Capitol. I’m interested in listening to everyone with a concern or an idea about how we move Iowa forward,” said Ballalatak. “People are welcome to call me at my home, (641) 932-2933 or email me at DebForIowaSenate@gmail.com”.

        

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